Chapter 704 513: Ruan Qingyao

"Madam, the Crown Prince's eagle message!"

"Quick, bring it over!" Empress Wang of Zhao Rui raised her head, her eyes seemingly infused with strength. For the past few days, she had been tirelessly attending to the Emperor.

Almost without any rest, she didn't dare leave the Emperor's side for a moment.

Though she had a gentle disposition, in the complex and cruel environment of the harem, a timid rabbit could not survive.

Therefore, she understood that the Emperor was her Protective Talisman; as long as the Emperor lived, her son was the Crown Prince. If the Emperor died, her son might not remain the Crown Prince.

So far, the Emperor had not shown any intention to change the Crown Prince, so she neither fights nor competes.

However, the Emperor's sudden stroke meant she could no longer remain indifferent and uncompetitive.

If the Emperor did not recover, her son would be her sole support, so she must ensure the Emperor stays alive until the Crown Prince returns to the capital.

Currently, King Qi's reputation and influence are not enough to overthrow the Crown Prince and ascend himself. Up to now, the Crown Prince lacks a substantial reason for being deposed.

A childless claim is not enough, especially since both of his brothers are also without children. Why should this justify removing the Crown Prince?

Although appointing the Crown Prince is the Emperor's family affair, the Crown Prince is the nation's heir, the future Emperor; it also concerns the state. If public opinion cannot be silenced,

no matter who occupies that position, it will be unstable.

"Madam, what does the Crown Prince say?" The Chief Minister Tang Jing inquired. In the absence of the Crown Prince, the Empress holds the highest authority, although traditions dictate that the harem shall not meddle in state affairs, but circumstances demand flexibility.

Currently, only the Empress has such a qualification.

"The Crown Prince is already on his way back from Dongshan and will soon arrive in the capital. Mr. Tang need not worry; you can make this news public." Empress Wang directly passed the eagle message down, demonstrating that she was not hiding anything; the Crown Prince is indeed on his way back to the capital.

"That is excellent, with the Crown Prince's return, the court can stabilize."

"The country cannot go a day without a ruler. Since His Majesty is incapacitated and unable to preside over the court, I propose that upon the Crown Prince's return, he oversees the government. What say you, beloved courtiers?"

"The ministers have no objections!"

At this moment, the Crown Prince overseeing the government was legitimate. Anyone who dared oppose would face severe repercussions.

...

Rouyi Palace.

BANG!

A fine piece of Yue porcelain was smashed to pieces; Consort Xue's face twisted, her anger fully expressed on her face.

Each palace maid serving her had their heads lowered, silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to make a sound.

Madam's temper had worsened day by day, often smashing things and whipping the maids for slight mistakes.

The entire Rouyi Palace was shrouded in a suppressive atmosphere.

The Crown Prince was not dead, her brother was imprisoned, and her movement was restricted; even her son was grounded.

This was not how it was supposed to be.

"Have you contacted the Venerable Xiaoyao yet?"

"Reporting to Madam, not yet." A trusted maid beside Consort Xue named Lan'er replied; she was not only Consort Xue's confidante but also a disciple of Carefree Palace.

"What about Wolang, why is that slut Jiang Huan still alive?"

"His Majesty still holds some affection for Consort Yi, so Wolang's attempts were always evaded by her. Clearly, she is quite wary of Wolang."

"Wary? She doesn't even know Wolang. Why is she so guarded?"

"This maid doesn't know."

"In any case, that useless consort must die, and her son must not remain in this world. Anyone who threatens my son must die!" Consort Xue's beautiful face contorted.

"Yes, Madam, I'll handle it immediately."

...

"Madam, it's bad news; the Crown Prince has already returned from Dongshan accompanied by Yulin Guard's Deputy Commander Tie Lin!"

"What? Tie Lin, that thick-browed, big-eyed traitor, actually pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince!"

"Additionally, at least two Celestial Essence level experts accompany the Crown Prince. Besides Mr. Qin, there's Fahai from Shanglin Temple, and Pei Jian has also sent people for protection, along with experts from Blade Catching Alliance's Dongshan Branch."

"Damn it, Blade Catching Alliance also sided with the Crown Prince?"

"Madam, Blade Catching Alliance is known for taking money to do business, presumably because Pei Jian offered them terms too tempting to refuse..."

"Yes, it must be that. Over at the Emperor's side, that bitch Empress Wang is watching closely, giving me no opportunity. The Crown Prince cannot return to the capital smoothly; contact Dark Fire for me—a Celestial Essence Elixir, plus a million taels of gold—to assassinate the Crown Prince!"

"Madam, is this necessary?"

"Of course, once the Crown Prince is dead, King Qi becomes the Crown Prince—Da Li's future Emperor—the sole ruler, with wealth within reach!" Consort Xue nodded firmly.

"Yes, Madam."

...

Outside Xinping Town.

Little Creek Mountain, a simple thatched hut.

Ruan Qingyao, one of Shenxiao Association's four envoys, resided here.

The townsfolk only knew she lived alone here, making a living by collecting herbs; she wore a leather mask all year round.

One would think she was an unsightly woman, but beneath the mask lay an unparalleled face.

She was the Palace Master's disciple from Carefree Palace, adopted from a young age, meticulously trained, skilled in pharmacology, especially adept at cultivating herbs.

Naturally, she had exceptional martial talent, a once-in-a-lifetime genius.

Not yet thirty, she had already attained the Meridian Passage Realm, which in top-tier sects would at least make her a True Disciple, a Saint Heir or Saint Lady candidate.

In the morning.

A red figure appeared in the fenced courtyard—a voluptuous beauty, just slightly older.

A mature charm worth savoring.

"Qingyao, you've lived here for these five years?" The woman seemed quite familiar with the place's owner, speaking directly to Ruan Qingyao, who had just woken up and was washing, standing at the doorsteps.

"What are you here for, to speak for him?" Ruan Qingyao responded coldly, standing at the steps.

"Qingyao, you grew up under my eyes; by generation, I am your martial aunt. Why not invite me inside to sit?" The woman laughed coquettishly, her body swaying gracefully.

"Sorry, I don't have chairs at home. Whatever you have to say, say it here outside." Ruan Qingyao's face remained chilly, showing no willingness to welcome the visitor inside.

"Alright, stop being childish. I know you're upset with me. Years ago, your master intended to betroth you to Ah Lian; you disagreed, he pressured you, and you fled. I didn't speak for you and even advised you to accept the marriage, but your master meant it for your own good. Ah Lian may be aloof, but he genuinely liked you; both of you grew up together, shared a bond."

"Enough, if you're here as his spokesperson, just stop. I've only cooked for one; please leave." Ruan Qingyao's face flashed with displeasure, immediately cutting off.

"Qingyao, years have passed, and you still can't let go?" The woman dropped her smile and interrogated.

"Back then, I didn't understand my own feelings, which was why I rejected the marriage. But you used such despicable means, making me see him clearly, which reinforced my resolve. He and I are impossible for life!" Ruan Qingyao stated decisively.

"Qingyao..."

"If there's nothing else, please leave!" Ruan Qingyao pointed outside, directly dismissing.